BOBBY RUSH~PORCUPINE MEAT
by Rojene Bailey, Host of “BluesTime In The City”
To say Bobby Rush has been singing the Blues a long time is an understatement. But to say that Bobby Rush doesn’t have “IT” is also an understatement. Bobby Rush still got it and that’s a statement of true fact. In September of this year, Bobby released “Porcupine Meat” on Rounder Records. Rounder Records have been around since the early 1970’s, and was founded in Massachusetts recording all forms of music to include the Blues. This is Bobby’s first foray with Rounder, and it’s a good one. It doesn’t matter where Bobby records, he makes it work. The Majority of the songs were written by Bobby, and the ones he didn’t write totally, he had a hand in writing.
Before I tell you the songs I really love, let me give you a few of the guests that are included on the BCD. That’s BluesTime In The City talk for Blues Compact Disc. Vasti Jackson was the musical director and is the guitar soloist on the title cut, Porcupine Meat. Keb Mo is featured on NightTime Gardner. Joe Bonamassa is featured on Me, Myself, And I and Dave Alvin is featured on It’s Your Move. Mind you, all of these great guitarists have very unique styles, but the styles all worked as a “Bobby Rush Song” in the traditional and innovative Bobby Rush style. And believe me, these guys are good.
Bobby continues to amaze me singing the Blues. His ability of adapt the old with the new, integrate technology into the Blues, but yet maintain the integrity of the Blues is second to none. His use of horns and the thump bass on some of the songs are amazing. Just check out my favorite, “I Don’t Want Nobody Hanging Around.” It makes you move, whether you want to or not. After you listen to “Me, Myself and I,” the guitar melody and solo will stay in your head for days. And I’m always reminding listeners that the slide guitar is losing its steam in the African American community, but on “Night Time Gardner” Keb Mo proves me wrong. Again. “Night Time Gardner” is a great piece of work and Keb Mo brings it. And venturing out a little on “Funk O De Funk” the horn session put it’s “Blues Stamp” on it. There is a story in each song that only Bobby can tell. If only our younger generation would listen to him. As I always tell my friend Bobby, “You’re old, Dude…. But you keep on finding new ways of bringing the Blues.”
“Porcupine Meat” was nominated for the Best Traditional Blues Grammy, and in February Bobby will get his just due for such a great piece of work. Even though the title may be a little strange, there’s always a story and life experiences in Bobby’s decisions. As Bobby puts it, “Too Fat to eat and Too Lean to throw away.” That’s Porcupine Meat, but you can’t throw it away. Just Eat It!!!! It’s that good…..